1. Keynote and Featured Presentation Descriptions
June 28, 2018 (Thursday)
Welcome Keynote
9:00-9:30 am, IMAX Theater
Title: Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Present, and Inspiring the Future:
Human Exploration, the Journey Continues
Dr. Jeff Goldstein, Center Director [Bio]
Program Director, SSEP National Program
National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE)
Abstract: We live in a moment in time. It’s the place where the accomplishments of those that came before us meet up with what will be undertaken by future generations. It’s a great place to be, especially if you’re part of the future generation. By learning about the past both in terms of what we know and how we’ve come to know it, and talking to those that work on the frontiers right now, you can choose to shape the future. It’s pretty powerful stuff. Standing on the shoulders of past generations, YOU are now the link between the past and future of human exploration.
Featured Presentation 1
11:30-11:45 am, Moving Beyond Earth Gallery
Title: Sensational Science in Space
Laurie Provin, Partnership Services Manager [Bio]
Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), SSEP National Partner
Abstract: The International Space Station is the biggest object ever flown in space. It not only serves as a place for humans to live and work in space, but it’s also a large research laboratory. The astronauts onboard the ISS perform amazing science and technology experiments to help us understand the space environment better and to improve our life on Earth. Get the latest on the sensational science happening in space!
June 29, 2018 (Friday)
Featured Presentation 2
11:00-11:30 am, Moving Beyond Earth Gallery
Title: Overcoming Obstacles and Reaching for the Stars!
Dr. Don Thomas, NASA Astronaut, STS-65, 70, 83, 94 [Bio]
Abstract: When he was just six years old, Don Thomas watched the launch of the first American into space sitting on the floor in his school gymnasium. He knew immediately that he also wanted to be an astronaut when he grew up. Although he faced a number of setbacks along the way, thirty-three years later his dream came true as he launched aboard Space Shuttle Columbia on his first of four missions to space. Through his long journey to become an astronaut he learned some valuable lessons that he will share about achieving your dream in life.
Featured Presentation 3
1:50-2:05 pm, Moving Beyond Earth Gallery
Title: Solar System Update
Dr. Jim Zimbelman, Senior Geologist [Bio]
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum – Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, SSEP National Partner
Abstract: Many spacecraft are currently exploring objects throughout the solar system, and beyond. Here we briefly review the robotic space missions active in 2018, those that were launched this year, and a preview of some missions actively being developed for future launches.
2. Family Night Program – Thursday Night, June 28, 2018, 5:10 – 7:05 pm (see Agenda for schedule)
Presentation Title: A Voyage that will Forever Change Your Perspective of Home
Dr. Jeff Goldstein, Center Director [Bio]
Program Director, SSEP National Program
National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE)
Description: When we venture beyond our home and explore a greater landscape—whether it’s the town beyond our house, or a planet beyond the Earth—we gain a deeper sense of our own existence. It’s a fundamental principle of exploration. To truly know and appreciate our home, we must leave it. So to truly know and appreciate a place called Earth, we must venture beyond it, and recognize the breadth and majesty of a greater universe.
From another vantage point—we are integrally connected to the universe, and it to us—so to know the universe is to know ourselves. And while we may seem small in its shadow, beauty has nothing to do with size—for the universe is revealed with something the size of the human mind.
You’re invited to the story of our existence—a race of explorers, 7 billion souls strong. It is a story that ignites wonder about the universe, and a sense of pride in our ability to reveal its nature through both human imagination and ingenuity. It is a story that humbles us, and brings a sense of humility to our lives. It is a voyage that will forever change your perspective of home.
IMAX® Film: Beautiful Planet
Narrated by Jennifer Lawrence
Premiere Date: April 29, 2016
Description: A Beautiful Planet is a breathtaking portrait of Earth from space, providing a unique perspective and increased understanding of our planet and galaxy as never seen before. Made in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the film features stunning footage of our magnificent blue planet — and the effects humanity has had on it over time — captured by the astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). From space, Earth blazes at night with the electric intensity of human expansion — a direct visualization of our changing world. But it is within our power to protect the planet. As we continue to explore and gain knowledge of our galaxy, we also develop a deeper connection to the place we all call home. From IMAX Entertainment and Toni Myers — the acclaimed filmmaker behind celebrated IMAX® documentaries Blue Planet, Hubble 3D, and Space Station 3D — A Beautiful Planet presents an awe-inspiring glimpse of Earth and a hopeful look into the future of humanity.
The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) is a program of the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) in the U.S., and the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Space Education internationally. It is enabled through a strategic partnership with DreamUp PBC and NanoRacks LLC, which are working with NASA under a Space Act Agreement as part of the utilization of the International Space Station as a National Laboratory. SSEP is the first pre-college STEM education program that is both a U.S. national initiative and implemented as an on-orbit commercial space venture.
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), and Subaru of America, Inc., are U.S. National Partners on the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program. Magellan Aerospace is a Canadian National Partner on the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program.